[1] The main stated objective of CIF comprises promoting Canada–India relations through their active intervention in public policy, which would cover domestic policies and bilateral issues affecting the Indo-Canadian community, including issues such as culture, education, trade and investment, immigration, diplomatic, political, and strategic relations.

The discussion resulted in the incorporation of Canada India Foundation, a non-profit corporation, whose membership would be based on invitation and include industrialists, business leaders, senior executives and top tier professionals, with track record of achievements as well as passion for Canada-India ties.

Its first initiatives were the organization of a Gala with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper and India's former President Dr. Abdul Kalam as chief guests and the creation of the CIF Global Indian Award.

The Chair and National Convener in consultation with the rest of the Board are responsible for establishing the directions of the organizations and approving initiatives for any year.

The Executive Team appointed in 2018 comprises Anil Shah (Chair), Satish Thakkar (National Convener), Pankaj Dave (Co-Convener), Rupesh Kapadia (Treasurer), and Vijay Sastry (Secretary).

The Canada India Foundation ("CIF") Global Indian Award, which carries a cash prize of $50,000 towards a charity of the recipient's choice, has been presented to Sam Pitroda, Tulsi Tanti, Ratan Tata, Deepak Chopra, N.R.

Both Canada's then Prime Minister Stephen Harper and India's then President Abdul Kalam were honoured guests at CIF's first Global Indian Award Gala.